Measuring apparatus



Dec. 13, 1932. A. E. YOUNG MEASURING APPARATUS Filed May 6, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet l R O T N E V I Dec. 13; 1932, A E YOUNG MEASURING APPARATUS Filed May 6, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Dec. 13, 1932. A. E. YOUNG MEASURING APPARATUS Filed May 6, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 nl bul ml.- -5:::5:asiiallzasilaziasaaz 'l/l/ "III III!!! INVENTOR Dec. 13, 1932. A. E. YOUNG MEASURING APPARATUS Filed May 6, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR gUNlTE-D STA consists in appara tothe end that, under all the ran of flow, there shall be differential pressure jsufiicient to operate the measuring apparatus I In the accompanying by direct gani'zation than appears in Fig.

of Fig. VI, andshowing casin 1 is b Patented Dec. '13, 1932 res ARCHER n YOUNG, or rrr'rsiinneri, PENNSYLVANIA MEASURING APPARATUS i it Application fil ed May 6,

, My invention relates to orifice meters, and

tuswhich shall afford di rect reading in units of volume of'the quantity of gas passed, with correction for variations in pressure. Under Ordinary field conditions there may be such variation in the rate of fiowof gas through the main as to necessitate changein the size of the orifice; ge of rate with substantial accuracy.

I drawings Fig. I is a view invertical section of an instrument embodying my invention andadapted to aflford reading in units of volume the f gasfiowing through "an orifice Fig. II'is a view to larger scale, showing in end elevation one of the rotary members which form part of the or Fig. III is a fragmentary view to the same scale with Fig. II,

quantity in a gas 1113.111;

in. section,

and showing in side elevation the same rotary elaboration of detail I; Fig. IV is a View" towst'il'l larger scale,,showing in vertical section, and in the plane with which the axis of theconduit coincides, the orifice plate in its mounting; Fig. V is a view in vertical section, in a plane at right angles to that of Fig. IV, of the mounting for the orifice plate,

member, with greater and showing the plate itself in elevation.

The plane ofsection of Fig.

V is in Fig. IV indicated by the line V-V. Fig. VI is a View corresponding to Fig. IV and illustrating modification; and Figs. VII and VIII are views in front elevation of the orifice-plate structure in the modified form I the plate itself in different operative positions.

Referring first to Fig. I of the drawings, rovid'ed within which at27 a long'lever 2 is pivoted. This lever 2 is organized, as diagrammatically indicated in Fig. I, wit-Iran orificed plate in a gas main, in suchmannerthat it swings in response to variation in the differential pressurethat is to .say,in the pressure-drop from the upstreamasideto the down-stream side of the orifice. Such elementary organization is well 'of'swing of such anarm and, observing also by other particular means varlatlons in the theoretically capable gitudinally an way, the inaccuracy,

1930. s mi no. 450,115.

and requires no further illustration. as I have already intimated, long practice to observe the range known, T

it has, been common static pressurethat is to say in the actual pressure to which the gas stream issubjectto calculate the quantity of gas which during the time of observation actually passes through the orifice. Such procedure is complicated; and time consuming and, though of afiording accuracy, is subject to the practical difliculty of ascer-' taining with accuracy whatthe Variations in And, in passing,

actual pressure may be.

I remark that in my apparatus'there is the possibility of such minute shaping of the parts that each instrument may by reference to a normal be standardized, to afford under all conditions within the range of contemplated service substantially perfect accuracy.

lhe lever 2 atits distalend is slotted lond carries freely reciprocable in theslot ablock 3. Block 3 is engaged also by a 'guideway 4: which extends transversely to the length of arm 2- As the arm 2 swings in response to variation in the diiierential pressure of the gas fiowing'throug h the orifice, block 3 will move up and down in guide- Way 4:, and, the arm 2 being relatively long and being so organized that within the limits of ordinary operation its angular range of swing is small, th

e movement of block 3 along the guideway will always be closely proportional to the variation in differential pressure. If it werea matter of direct reading of the position of the block along the guide due to the fact that the right-line movement of the block is not'mi-5 nutely proportional to the angular swing of thejlever, would be inconsiderable, but, by virtue of the fact that the block cooperates with other mechanical arts )I'O ortions ma be so far modified and adapted as to eliminate even such a slight and inconsider able inaccuracy. I

In proximity to, and in parallelism with the movement ofblock 3 in its guideway, extends a constantlyand uniformly advancing surface. In the particular instrumentcherc so his illustrated, this surface is the surface of a cylinder 5, mounted for rotation on an axis parallel with the pathway of block 8 and rotated at constant speed by suitable means, in this case the motor 6. The block 3 is equipped with a brush 7 (cf. Figs. II and III) and the surface of the cylinder is provided with areas of contact so disposed that cylinder rotation will effect the periodic making and breaking of an electric circuit or electric circuits. Conveniently, the cylinder surface, otherwise non-conducting carries strips 8 and 9 of conducting material. Strip 8 extends longitudinally upon the surface of the cylinder and parallel with its axis, and strip 9 is so particularly shaped and disposed that at successive points longitudinally of the cylinder the distance between the strips, measured circumierentially, is proportional to the square rootof the differential pressure to which block 3 in its movement is responsive. lVith reference to the instrument of the drawings, the strip 9, being prolonged, would meet the strip 8 at or near the upper end of the cylinder. When the differential pressure in the gas main is zero, there is of course no flow; and, while that condition obtains, the lever 2 is in a position upwardly inclined from left to right, and the brush 7 which block 3 bears is just free of contact with the strips at their meeting point. As the differential pressure increases from zero through the range of service value, the lever 2 swings clockwise, and the block 3 moves from the zero point downward along the guideway 4; and at successive points in the range of block movement, the distance between the strips, measured circumferentially, is proportional to the square root of the differential pressure to which block in its movement is responsive. It will be understood that in this 1' spect the drawings are diagrammatic; no attempt has been made so to plot the position of strip 9 as to render the drawing a literal presentation of the equation stated.

A shaft 10 is mounted for rotation coaxially with cylinder 5. Shaft 10 carries integrally a clutch member, in the form of a disk 11. Cylinder carries one or more clutch members. in the form of swinging arms 12 which extend long tudinally beyond the head of the cylinder and opposite the face of disk 11. The arms may be swung to and from engagement with the disk. The face of the disk and the outer ends of the arms are suitably adapted to serve the clutch purpose indicated. To such end, the face of the disk may be serrated. and the arms may terminate in teeth adapted to enter and to be withdrawn from engagement with the serrations. Such minute shaping of the parts is indicated in the drawings. Conveniently there are two arms 12, arranged in diametrically opposite positions on cylinder Normally the arms 12 are held by springs 13 in the retracted position indicated in Fig. I, and from this position they are swung inwardly, against the tension of the springs, by means of electromagnets 14. These magnets are borne by cylinder 5 and are so situated that, when energized, they attract and draw the arms inward; and, to effect this end, the arms are formed of magnetic material, or carry blocks of magnetic material suitably situated.

Cooperating with the arms 12 are spring latches 15, borne also by cylinder 5. \Vhen, by the energizing of electro-magnets 14, the arms 12 are swung inward to clutch-closing position, the latches, which under the tension of springs 16 had been hearing laterally upon the sides of the arms, spring to place behind the arms, and hold them secure in their clutchclosing position.

A second pair of electro-magnets 17 is provided, borne also by cylinder 5, and so arranged that, when energized (in alternation with the energizing of magnets14), they will be effective to swing the latches 15, against the tension of springs 16, from the latching position to which in consequence of the action of electro-magnets 14 they had swung, to unlatching position; and then the arms 12, freed of restraint, swing again, under tension of their springs 13, back to the position of clutch release.

By such provision, shaft 10 is caused to rotate in union with the clock-driven cylinder 5, so long as the clutch is closed. W'hen the clutch is open, shaft 10 is at rest.

The parts of the electrical apparatus are diagrammatically shown: 18 is a suitable source of electrical energy; 19 is a relay; 20 and 21 are collector rings borne by and insulated upon the rotating shaft of cylinder The ring 20 is complete and continuous; the ring 21 is composed of two arc-she ed parts, insulated one from the other. he wiring, the contact blocks, and brushes do not require detailed enumeration. It should, however, be remarked of collector ring, 21 that one portion is electrically connected with the coils of magnets 14, and the other portion with the coils of magnets 17 When in the course of cylinder rotation the brush 7 with which block 3 is equipped makes contact with strip 8, a circuit of relatively high resistance is completed from source 18 through the coil of relay 19, lead a, strip 8, lead 7), ring 20, lead a, and back to the source again. Relay 19 then is operated, and then immediately a circuit of relatively low resistance is completed from source 18 thrmrgh lead (1, ring 21, magnets 14, lead (2, ring 20, lead 0, and back to the source again. The current flowing in full strength through magnets 14, energizes them, and closes the clutch. The latches 15 automatically close under the tension of springs 16 behind the clutch arms 12. The electro-magnets 14 having performed their part in the operation beeome deeenergized by 19 when the brush borne :ing'brealrs contactjwithstrip8. The clutch, iowever, remains closed, secured by latches leadf (of, Fig. HI),

back to the source again.

electro-magnets 1:7.

sparking, as the brush -strips 8and9.

the opening of relay by block 31 advanc 15. Tlieshaft 10, which upto :the moment of contact-had been at rest, from that moment forward rotates in unison with the cylinder. ln the iurther progresso'f operation the brush with whiclrblock 3 is equipped makes contact with strip59, and a circuit of :relatively'high resistance is first closed from source '18 through the coilo'i'relay 19, lead a, strip 9,

lead 9a, ring 20, lead 0, and back to the source again. Relay l9 then isoperated,andacircuit of re'latively low source 18 through lead d, ring 21 (now so the circuit-complet-v resistance isclosed from turnedas to present to lug parts the other of its two arc-shaped strips of conducting material), magnets 17, ring 20, lead 0, and This circuit is closed, not throughelectro-magnets 14, but, because of the turningof ring 21, through Theenergizing of magnets 17 effects the opening of the latches 15, and'in consequence the clutch arms 12,1"- leased from restraint, swing springtensiomthe clutch is opened, and the shaft 10'stops.

The 'purposeof the relay 19 is to prevent 7 makes contact with i It will be perceived that with every rotation of the cylinder "5 the shaft turns through a fraction of complete rotation,

' and that the value of that fraction will be greateror less, according to the circumferen- 'tialdistance 'betw-een complete rotation of ly for variations in differential the strips 8 and 9 at the 'po in'tat which the longitudinally movable block 3-stands. That distancaasfhas beenexplained, is approximately proportional tothe square root of the distance at which block3 stands from Zero; that is to say, it varies as the square root of thedifferential pressure junder whlch the gas 1s flowing through the orifice. The extent of rotation of the shaft 10 then within the cylinder 5 is an'exponent of the quantity of gas which in that interval of time =h'as;passed .throughtheorifice. It will be apparent that if a tally were driven by shaft 10, a suitable proportioning of parts ill mount the cylinder oitsuch' a second ,tegrally up on outward under fixedtime interval of one I observe by othermeans the variations in stat- 1c pressure, and then to make COITGCtlOILOf the first-named measurement by calculation from the observed value of the static pres sure. I have perceived that, not-only may I employ a device, the duplicate of that already described, to express in angular extent of the turning. of a shaft, and with correction for variations in static pressure, the quantity of gas which ina given interval of time passes an orifice, but I havefurther perceived that 'device upon the driven'shaft of the first, then the criven shaft :of the second device will turn through an angle which in the constant interval of timeoi one revolution of cylin-- der 5 will be indicative of the quantity of gas passed, with correction for variations both inditi'erential and in static pressure.

Turning again to Fig. l ofthe drawings, a second device," essentially identical-with that already described, will be seen to be mounted upon the first; the cylinder ofthe second will be understood to be carried in- U N the drivenshaft i the first. The lever 22 of the. second device may'be understood to swing in response to variation in thestatic pressure of the gas flowin in the main; and the" arrangement of the contact r,

strips 88 and 99 upon the cylinder of the second device may be understood to be such that for each rotation of drum 55, the shaft 100 turns through an angle which varies in value,

proportionately to the square root of the value of the'static pressure. .When the two devices are so organized, the shaft 100 will turn through an "angle whose value will be indicative'of the quantity of gas passed, with correction for variations both in differential and in staticpressure.

If then shaft 100 be caused to drivea tall 23, it'is merely a mat 'ter ofproportionmg of parts to obtain direct reading of the so corrected value. 1 v i In Fig. I, 1 showat at the position of the orifice 'platein the gas main. Under varying conditions of how, the varying differential pressure is maintained within a range adequate to theproper operation. of the measuring apparatus which, in its essential features,

is described above. Referring to Figs.- IV and V, the orifice will be seen to be formed by and between a circular opening in plate and a semi-circular recessin the margin of plate 26. The plate 26 is adjustable vertically, to the end that the eiiective orifice may vary in size and shape from a full circle to a lune of diminishing dimensions. It is at van-tageous to arrange plate26 to move'in a guideway formed by of plate 25, and to operate plate 26 by a screw in Fig. IV. Figs. VI, VII, andVIII show that, by making both plates movable and by flanges upon one side "extending'through a packinggland, as shown forming in both circular openings and by T mounting the plates for slrnultaneous ad ustlnent upon a rotatable screw-threaded rod 28, the orifice whatever its size, may be maintained always centered in the conduit. The invention is not, in its broader aspect, limited to any particular shape of orifice nor to any particular means for effecting adjust ment in the effective size of the orifice; the invention in its broader aspect contemplates an orifice of adjustable size, and the drawings show with some variety in detail means for providing adjustability in size of the orifice. Any suitable expedient may be adopted by which the attendant may determine precisely the exact positions to which the movable plate or plates are brought; for example, the adjusting rod 28 may be provided with marks 29 indicative of plate position.

As the rate of flow diminishes the effective size of the orifice is decreased, and to each orifice size the contact strip 9 on the cylinder 5 must in its minute placement be adjusted, in order to afford accurate mensuration. For all practical purposes, with such an orifice as the apparatus of Figs. IV and V affords, four particular positions of plate 26 (the fullline position, and the three dotted-line positions) will suiiice. The strip upon cylinder 5 to which the numeral 9 is immediately applied may be understood to be the strip so placed as to afi'ord accurate measurement when the plate 26 is in the full-line position of Fig. V and the whole circle of plate 25 is uncovered; and the successive strips 91, 92, and 93 may be understood to be severally so placed as to afford accurate measurement when the plate 26 is shifted and brought to the successive dotted-line positions of Fig. V. A movable contact, shown as a jumper-w' 'e 94, is provided to bring one or another of the strips 9, 91, 92 and 93 into the magnet-operating circuit already described, as the attendant may choose. lVhen the orifice is wide open, the j umper-wire, in the position shown in Fig. I, brings strip 9 into circuit; and, as the plate 26 is shifted to its successive positions, the umper-wire is shifted, to close the circuit through strips 91, 9:2, or 93; and in each case, in consequence of proper placement of the strip, the operation already described is carried out with accuracy. Engagement of brush 7 with the strips will be effective, only in the case of that strip with which the jumper-wire 94 happens at the time to be in cirwit-completing contact.

The hydraulic formula for measuring gas passing a constriction in a pipe line, like an orifice plate with an opening in it considerably less than the cross-section of the pipe, may be writtenin which C is a constant whose value depends on the size of the orifice opening, the units of measure used, etc.

H is the ditferencebetween the pressures on the upstream and downstream sides of the plate, and hence changes in value with change in velocity of flow of the gas, measured, generally, ininches of water,

P is the static pressure (in pounds absolute) of the gas as it passes the opening in the plate, and hence is also changing its value with the time,

Q is cubic feet of and E is a number (generally considered as a constantfor a given sized orifice in a given pipesize), whose value is determined by diiding the actual gas flow through such a plate by the theoretical flow, that is the flow one would get by the above formula when E was replaced by 1. The values of E, as thus determined for dillerent sized plates in different sized lines, have been determined by holder erueriments; that is to say, by passing the gas through an orifice plate into a tank or holder and there measuring it by considering the volume it occupies. its pressure, etc.

The experiments of the past five years for the American Gas Association, all dealing with the orifice meter, show that the value of E above, as found by experiment, is not actually constant for a given sized plate in a given sized line, but actually varies with the rate of flow of the gas through the plate, and is also afi'eet-ed by the departure which in practice is found from the theoretical statement known as Boyles law of compressibility.

In other words I would say (and such, in fact, is my recommendation), that the hydraulic formula given above bereplaced by the following in which E has been replaced by f(H), to show that its true value changes with and depends on the value of H.

If the variation of P is not too great, the change of E with change of P can be ignored.

In the immediately foregoing discussion the assumption is that the hole n the orifice plate is circular and that its center is at the center of the pipe.

In the use of means for adjusting the effective area of the orifice, to suit change in magnitude of flow, it will in many cases be found that the change of flow is periodic, the maxima and minima occurring at certain hours of the day. In other cases it is seasonal, changing with change of temperature, and hence with the demand for gas.

Attempts have been made to design an orifice set-up that will permit change of orifice without opening up the pipe line,and I have gas passed per hour, say,

i If the, opening in the plate could b e kept circular as it was closed and opened, asin tially constant static pressure,

values of the expression by substitution may cover the the caseofthe iris diaphragm of an optical lens, all woull be well, and in such case the formula given above could be used, changing the value of C only, as the opening changed in size. I But this is not practical.

I perceived that if'I were to employ such a variable orifice structure as I have described, I might formulate an equation for the quantity of gas passing the orifice, thus Q= f( l NH-P p in which E of the first formula given'above has been replaced by f(H) F (P), in which is a function of the difierential pressure and F(P) is another function of the static pressure, and'in which the values of f(H), for every orifice opening, under a substanis determinable by test. For successive values of H, under a given static pressure, I determine the The theoretical position of strip 9 upon the cylinder 1s such that at every point longitudinally of the cylinder the distance between the two strips 8 and 9 circumferentially is equal to the square I root of the distance'of that point from the zero at which the two strips, if prolonged, would meet; that theoretical position is modified by the test indicated.

For each orifice opening the strip 9 (91, 92,

a 93) is placed by test.

The instrument so when working withln a substantial range of static pressure. When operatlon must be had under wider ranges of static pressure, two

- provisions are available: (1) to provide a plurality of interchangeable cylinders 5, each provided manner particular range of staticpressure and which whole range of practical variability; (2) to provide a plurality of interchange-able cylinders 55, with the desired capacity for correction in the particular placement of the strip 99. Three or more particular ranges in the value of static as a. practical matter, thus be provided for: (1) a range of 255M150 pounds; (2) a range of 50 to 100 pounds; (3) a range of 100 to 150 pounds, etc.

I claim as my invention 1. In apparatus for measuring gas flowing in a main, the combination, with a gas main, an orifice structure of variable aperture arranged in the main, and means for bringing to one or another of a positions, of a rotary cylinder; a second rotatable member; and means for transmitting rotation i from the pressure may,

said cylinder to the said second rotary member; such rotat1on-transmitting means inbuilt will be accurate with a set of strips which has in the indicated been laid down to suit a pathway transverse cludinga clutch and means for rendering the cylinder, together with means for bringing into such circuit at will one or another or the said contact pieces. I e I I apparatus for measuring gastlowing in main, the combination, ith a gas main, an orifice structureof variable aperture arranged in the main, and meansffor bringing the orifice structure to, one or another: ofa plurality of alternate positions, of register-l ing mechanism including a rotary cylinder; a second rotatable member; a tally; rotation transmitting mechanism interposed between the cylinder and the second rotatable member, such rotationtransmitting 'mechanisnr including a clutch, and means for rendering the clutch efi'ectiveduring a greater or less portion of the period of cylinder rotation, asthe rotatierr-transmitting mechanism includinga clutch, and means for rendering the lastnamed clutch effective dur ng a greater or less portion of a period of cylinder rotation, a

according to variation in the static pressure or the gas flowing in the main.

3. In gas-measuring apparatus, and in com: bination with a gas main, an orifice structure arranged in the main, including two diametrically movable slides, together with means or ef ti g t ir multa e u m vement whereby the effective orifice may within the range of movement be maintained in one or another of a pluralityof positions, a constant ly moving member, a block movable along a to the direction in which the said member moves, means for causing the said block tomove along suchpathway in response to variation in the diiierential pressure inthe stream of gas flowing in the said main and'through such orifice, the said movable member being provided with a plurality of contact pieces, one spaced apart in the direction in whichthe said member moves, the said block being provided with a cooperating contact piece, a second movable member, and means for transmitting motion from the said constantly moving member to the said second movable member, the

for each orifice position,

lee

said means being subject to electric control, and a control device including an electric circuit in which is included the block-borne contact piece, together with means for bringing into such circuit, at will one or another of the contact pieces with which the movable member first named is provided.

4. Apparatus for measuring gas including, in combination with a gas main, an adjustable orifice structure within the main, means for adjusting the said structure in one or another of a plurality of positions, of a constantly moving member, a block movable along a pathway transverse to the direction in which the said member moves, means for causing the said block to move along such pathway in response to variation in the differential pressure in the stream of gas flowing in the said main and through such orifice, the said movable member being provided with a plurality of contact pieces, one for each orifice position, spaced apart in the direction in which the said member moves, the said block being provided with a cooperating contact piece, a second movable member, means for transmitting motion from the said constantly moving member to the said second movable member, the said means last name being subject to electric control, and a control device including an electric circuit and means for bringing into such circuit at will one or another of the said contact pieces, the said parts being so arranged that as the said constantly moving member moves the circuit is closed by engagement of the said block-borne contact piece with that one of the member-borne contact pieces with which the means last defined are operative.

5. Apparatus for measuring gas including, in combination with a gas main, an orifice structure arranged in the said main, such orifice structure including a movable member by the movement of which an effective orifice of one or another of a plurality of sizes may be established, a constantly rotating member, a block movable along a pathway transverse to the direction in which the said member rotates, means for causing the said block to move along such pathway in response to var1- ation in the differential pressure in the stream of gas flowing in the said main and through such orifice, the said rotary member being provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced contact pieces, one for each orifice size, and the said block being provided with a cooperating contact piece, a second rotary member, and movable means for imparting rotation from the said constantly rotating member to the said second rotary member, means for effecting movement of the means last named to and from rotation-imparting position, such movement-effecting means including an electric circuit, and means for bringing at will into such circuit one or another of the contact pieces with which the said my hand.

ARCHER E. YOUNG.-

ISL) 

